Marine Fishing Bill passed in Pondy Assembly

Puducherry,May 6(UNI)The Legislative Assembly here today passed the Puducherry Marine Fishing Regulation Bill, 2008 by voice vote.

The bill envisages regulation of various aspects of marine fishing like registration of vessels and issuing fishing licences besides enforcing measures aimed at conservation of richmarine resources.

Moving the Bill, Fisheries Minister M O H F Shajahan said the Union Territory of Puducherry had 41 km of coastline in Puducherry, Karaikal and Mahe Regions.

Marine fisheries within the territorial waters were the subject of maritime states whereas fisheries beyond this limit within the EEZ fell within the jurisdiction of the Union Government.

All state and union territory governments, except Puducherry, had promulgated Marine Fishing Regulations.

He also said the implementation of the Bill would involve a recurring expenditure to the tune of Rs three lakh per annum and a non-recurring expenditure of Rs one lakh from the consolidated fund.

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